Awareness

With a large presence in the industrial, manufacturing, chemical, and mining industries, Missouri has seen a high rate of asbestos-related illnesses over the past decades. Adults over the age of 45, in particular, who worked in the aforementioned industries, run a high risk of being affected by the devastating results of asbestos exposure.

November is a time to come together as a community to stop diabetes. In order to do this, we must spread the word and educate others on the powerful impact that diabetes can have on someone’s life. The good news? People who are at high risk for type 2 diabetes can lower their risk by more than half if they make healthy changes. These changes include: eating healthy, increasing physical activity, and losing weight. So let’s work together to make this known!

Today, November 11, we celebrate Veterans Day. Veterans Day was originally proclaimed as “Armistice Day” In November 1919 at the end of World War I. The Act of 1938 officially made this day a legal holiday “to be dedicated to the cause of world peace”, primarily to honor veterans of World War I (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 2014). Veterans Day, as we know it today, became official in 1954 in order to honor American veterans of all wars. The purpose of Veterans Day is “a celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good” (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 2014). We thank all of our veterans for their service!

Today, November 7, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released their weekly public health information and recommendations report (MMWR, Vol. 63, No. 44); this report has information of note for the arthritis community. We know that arthritis is very common overall for both men and women of all age groups and ethnicities. In the report, Arthritis Among Veterans, we learn that arthritis is more common among veterans than non-veterans overall. Nationally, about 1 in 3 veterans (35%) have arthritis (CDC, 2014). In Missouri, the number of veterans with arthritis is closer to 2 in 5 (37%) (CDC, 2014). You can read the national report in full here. Check back next week as we look more specifically at Missouri veterans. We will feature state resources that help to improve the quality of life for Missouri veterans with chronic health conditions, like arthritis.

As baseball season comes to an end and football season ramps up, we also find ourselves at the start of flu season. This year, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services is encouraging all Missourians to "Stay in the game. Get vaccinated." and Tackle the Flu! Want to know more about flu symptoms, recommendations for who should get vaccinated, why health officials encourage folks to get vaccinated, and ways to protect yourself from the flu? Click here for more information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). A quick fact sheet can also be found below:

Self-management classes help teach and reinforce important skills so individuals can properly manage a number of common chronic diseases. Some common chronic health problems include: arthritis, asthma diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol, and lung disease. These programs are offered in a classroom-like setting and are led by other people who have chronic health conditions. The Missouri Arthritis and Osteoporosis Program offers four in-person self-management classes: Living a Healthy Life (Chronic Disease Self-Management Program – CDSMP), Diabetes Self-Management Program (DSMP), Tomando Control de su Salud (Spanish version of CDSMP), and Chronic Pain Self-Management Program (CPSMP). The Living a Healthy Life and Tomando Control de su Salud classes are available to any person with a chronic disease and/or their caregivers.

The Arthritis Toolkit is an at-home kit that allows you to work on your own time and at your own pace. The Toolkit includes The Arthritis Helpbook. This is a guide to many conditions related to arthritis and also describes how best to manage any health problems.

With schools resuming classes and Labor Day quickly approaching, it may feel like the summer is ending. The summer season will continue for the next month (the Autumnal Equinox is September 22), and we continue to have longer days with a few extra hours of sunlight in the morning and in the evening following a traditional workday. Take the opportunity with the extra sunlight to continue your summer of being active outdoors!

As we mentioned in a recent article, "Walk for Your Health," physical activity is so important for our health.

Better Choices, Better Health(R) Diabetes is currently being offered at NO COST for participants. This online program requires an internet connection and participants log-on 2-3 times per week for approximately 2 hours total each week.

Another self-management resource for persons with diabetes living in southwest Missouri, is to take an in-person Diabetes Self-Management Program course. This course is taught by lay leaders and runs for 2.5 hours each week for 6 weeks. To learn more about upcoming course offerings in the Springfield and Ava, Missouri areas, please click here or contact Heather Scott, Southwest Missouri RAC Coordinator.

How much are you walking each day? Whether you are just walking or wheeling to the mailbox or to the end of the driveway to get your paper every day, or if you are actively making an effort to go on a walk most days of the week, most of us spend more time than we think on the move. This is important to our health! The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans (CDC) recommends that all adults, even those with disabilities, get at least 150 minutes (2.5 hours) of moderate intensity, aerobic physical activity (such as brisk walking) per week.